A few days ago, I was able to ride the P2P Bus from Robinsons Novaliches to Makati, after not having been able to do so for more than two months.

Before that though, I wasn't really sure if the P2P operations were suspended given that Metro Manila was again placed under Alert Level 3 because of the increase in COVID-19 cases after the holidays.

So, after finishing a nearby errand, I hurriedly went to the P2P bus station to ask if there were buses going to Makati the following day. When I saw one of the familiar dispatchers, I knew then that the operations were not halted but I had some questions so I still approached him.

After our brief conversation, I learned that the owners of the P2P bus fleet weren't really keen on suspending operations unless necessary. 

Save for the reduction of the number of buses serving the Robinsons Novaliches to Makati (and vice-versa) route as well as the adjustment of the bus schedules, it was business as usual for the P2P buses because, well, it was a way for them to lighten the burden of the commuters.

Honestly, I’ve been riding the P2P buses since around 2016 and I had nothing but appreciation for them because it made the long journey to and from Novaliches bearable.

The following day, I asked another dispatcher (a different guy) about how the P2P buses are doing and he echoed the same sentiments as the first one. When the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020, I could recall the instances when the P2P buses suspended operations and those were only during the enhanced community quarantine.

On another note, while in Commonwealth Avenue, I noticed that the construction of the MRT Line 7 has made quite a progress since the last time I saw it late last year. I thought how nice it must be if the MRT line went straight to Makati City. 

Currently, MRT Line 7 ends in the North Triangle Common Station, so if you were going to Makati, you would still have to brave through the chaotic MRT Line 3.

Speaking of MRT Line 3, most people these days equate it to throbbing headaches and painful feet because of the sheer chaos that one has to go through when riding it. 

Anyway, if you are like me, who’ve experienced the heyday of MRT Line 3, you’d also be grateful for the convenience that it brought to commuters who are plying EDSA.

Back then, that was during the early 2000s, I remember thinking about how modern the transportation in Metro Manila has become because of MRT Line 3. I don’t know what really happened to it and I don’t want to delve much into the politics of it but it brought convenience to my morning and evening commutes during those days.

Save for one instance when some unscrupulous individuals picked my mobile phone from my bag (I felt it but I just ignored it for safety reasons), I was home or in the office safe and sound because of MRT Line 3.

Lastly, just to share some other positive things that happened in the past few days, one of the kids at home was celebrating his birthday. 

We weren’t really planning anything grand but Mommy Khris and I would always find the perfect excuse to buy our favorite food so that’s what we did. 

We ordered garlic sotanghon with grilled liempo and pot roast beef with gravy and mashed potatoes from 8 Spoons Party Trays, one of the most reliable food tray suppliers in Metro Manila.

The garlic sotanghon was perfect, it was so delicious that we all had second helpings and even ate some more for dinner.

The beef pot roast with gravy and mashed potatoes was also delicious but while eating it, I suddenly thought of the beefy burger steak with mushroom gravy that I also liked. Maybe next time.

How about you? Care to share anything that you’re grateful for?

PIN THIS POST

Also read: Grateful Dad #1: Welcome!